SPORTS IN BRIEF | February 13, 2013

The four sides involved in getting NHL players to the 2014 Winter Olympics are set to meet in New York to try to thrash out a deal.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, NHL Players Association head Donald Fehr, International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel and a representative of the International Olympic Committee are to meet today and Friday, mainly about NHL participation in the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.

All four sides agree they want NHL players there, but there are key issues to resolve before a deal is done. No one has set a deadline, so there should still be time to reach an agreement even if it doesn’t happen this week.

It could be a lively encounter, as Fasel set the tone in an interview with the CBC in Sochi on Saturday that came across as dismissive of Bettman and the NHL’s concerns.

The Canadian Press

Holmqvist used tee

to extract spider venom

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Swedish golfer Daniela Holm-qvist says she was bitten by a spider and used a tee to extract what she thought was potentially fatal venom before finishing her round during qualifying for the LPGA Tour’s season-opening Women’s Australian Open.

The Swedish Golf Federation reported on its website that Holmqvist was on the fourth hole at Royal Canberra when she felt a sharp pain on her ankle.

Holmqvist swatted the spider away and felt intense pain. She said people told her it was a black widow spider, so she used a golf tee to pierce the swelling and squeeze out the venom. The tournament said it was more likely a redback spider.

Canada to host Irish rugby team in June

TORONTO (CP) — Canada will play Ireland in a rugby international at Toronto’s BMO Field on June 15.

The Irish are currently ranked sixth in the world to No. 14 for Canada.

“We look forward to hosting Ireland at BMO Field and to the formidable challenge they bring,” said Canadian head coach Kieran Crowley said in a statement. “Ireland is a world-class side and this game will be a good opportunity for us to measure ourselves against one of the best.”

The Irish are unlikely to have all their top players for the Canada game since the British and Irish Lions are touring Australia in June.

Smith’s future with Hawks up in the air

ATLANTA (AP) — The Hawks could soon face a big decision with leading scorer Josh Smith, one of the most-discussed names in speculation leading up to the NBA trade deadline.

General manager Danny Ferry said Wednesday he will “definitely look into” any opportunity that “makes sense” for the team’s long-term interests. Ferry wouldn’t comment on reports the Nets, Spurs and other teams have interest in Smith.

The trade deadline is Feb. 21.

Smith can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Media frenzy greets Beckham in France

SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE, France (AP) — David Beckham started his first practice session with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday amid a media frenzy as dozens of camera crews and photographers jostled for position at the club’s training ground in the western suburbs of Paris.

The 37-year-old former England captain joined PSG two weeks ago in a surprise move and is working on his fitness to be ready for Sunday’s match at Sochaux.

Beckham is trying to achieve the feat of winning championships in four different countries following title success with Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy. He made his last appearance for the Galaxy on Dec. 1.